Role: Vice President — Sourcing, Development & Production
Location: Shanghai
Reports to: CEO

About the role
We’re hiring a hands-on senior leader to own end-to-end product creation and delivery for our apparel business from concept and development through factory production and on-time delivery. This role requires strong commercial judgment, vendor management experience, and the ability to operate in ambiguity as we build and scale.

Key responsibilities

• Lead product development: Drive concept-to-sample cycles, approve tech packs, and ensure fit/quality meet retailer standards.
• Own sourcing strategy and vendor relationships: Secure capacity, negotiate costs, and commercial terms.
• Source new factories: Identify, vet, and onboard manufacturing partners to expand capacity and capabilities; run audits and negotiate terms.
• Manage production: Build master schedules, prioritize orders, oversee QA/inspections, and ensure on-time, on-spec delivery.
• Improve operations: Implement process/technology improvements (PLM/ERP, lean practices) to reduce lead time and cost.
• Ensure compliance: Manage vendor audits, safety, and social responsibility standards.
• Lead the team: Coach and develop development, sourcing, and production staff; provide regular updates to the executive team.
• Partner cross-functionally: Work with Sales, Design, Merchandising, Supply Chain, and Finance.

Success measures (examples)

• On-time delivery to retail
• Defect/return rate improvements
• Reduced sample-to-production lead time
• Number of qualified new factories onboarded and vendor scorecard improvements
• Production cost variance within target

Qualifications

• 10+ years in apparel product development, sourcing and production (senior leadership preferred).
• Proven experience with factory identification/onboarding, factory management, costing/negotiation, and QA programs.
• Strong commercial acumen, results orientation, and excellent English communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to vendor sites.

Be part of a fast-growing team where you’ll shape strategy, introduce new processes, and directly impact product and business outcomes. Flexibility and comfort working “in the grey” are essential.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision).
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Casual, flexible working environment with a focus on results over rigid formality.
• Generous paid time off, holidays, and sick leave.
• Business travel to Asia and the U.S.; opportunities to visit factories and meet retail partners.
• Strong global team connections — regular cross-office collaboration and exposure to senior leadership.
• Career growth and professional development opportunities within an established China-headquartered company scaling in the U.S. market.
• Support for work-life balance (flexible hours and remote work options when role permits). • Relocation/visa support as needed for the right candidate (role-dependent).